Estonia is compiling a list of people connected to the imprisonment of Ukrainian pilot Nadiya Savchenko in Russia who will be denied entry to the country, confirmed Minister of Foreign Affairs Marina Kaljurand.

Lithuania was the first country in the EU to impose a Savchenko List last week, which included over 40 names. It is currently unclear how many names will be on Estonia’s entry ban list as work on its compilation is ongoing.

“All of these people’s backgrounds need to be checked,” explained Kaljurand. “For each individual person we also have to identify how they specifically have contributed to the injustice and human rights violations in relation to Savchenko.”

The minister stressed, however, that Estonia’s objective was to help achieve Savchenko’s release, and the compilation of this blacklist was actually of secondary importance in that process.

“The best and most effective thing is the collaboration of the European Union,” Kaljurand explained. “It’s true, Ukraine has requested that countries compile their own blacklists and add the names of people who were involved in Savchenko’s abduction, arrest and the injustice involved in what has been done to her, but this is more of a political act.”

The foreign minister clarified that Estonia’s list is currently being compiled, but that the main focus would remain on Europe’s joint campaign. “Russia can be influenced if the EU works together as a unit,” added Kaljurand.

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